Vancouver Fashion Week (VFW) Spring Summer 2023 continues, presenting an assembly of show-stopping designers. The second evening of Vancouver Fashion Week Spring/Summer ’23 began with a brief message from event sponsor Bully Blocker, before opening straight into the first designer's presentation. As always, VFW is a global platform for both local Vancouver and international designers, featuring talent from Mexico, Iran, and Korea.
First, on the runway at VFW day 2 was Lé Lesél, a self-described Christian brand with a collection entitled “G Lofi”. White workwear pieces were embellished with colourful silk pockets and finishings, described by the designer, Lesél Picou, as her interpretation of Carnival traditions from her family’s native Trinidad. Sprinkled in between the workwear was youthful silk separates. The collection is inspired by techwear and fantasy, signalling what the designer calls “Armour of God”.
María Correa presented a luxurious collection of strong silhouettes entitled Dubai-Abu Dhabi. Inspiration in the form of mosques, desert, and sea reveal itself as strong structured shoulders, a signature graphic print t-shirt worn by several models, and a beautiful colour palette of turquoise, cream, and royal blue dresses and separates.
Tabitha Andelin, a Los Angeles-based designer, stormed VFW’s runway with a sexy collection of high-end streetwear. Seasonal trends such as low-waisted trousers and skirts, as well as extra-long ties, made appearances. Andelin obviously knows what is hot this season. Denim, experimental dyeing, and ethereal dressmaking were strong benchmarks of this collection.
Blue Tamburin’s collection came down the runway to the thunderous roar of an epic soundtrack. Firmly rooted in fantasy with stunning floral elements and historical fashion silhouettes, each look seemed to have walked right out of a Regency-era period drama and onto the runway. Sheer overcoats, waistcoats, and dresses billowed out as models passed, evocative of freedom and boldness.
Reihani Design began their presentation with a touching video highlighting the current struggle for womens’ rights in Iran and the death of Mahsa Amini to the supportive round of applause from the crowd. Three models open the collection donning tracksuits in the colours of the Iranian flag emblazoned with the words “Freedom” “Life” “Woman” before ceremoniously cutting their hair in solidarity with the women of Iran. The largely black and white collection featured slogans in Arabic and English such as “Women Unite” “Be Our Voice” and “We Will Be Victorious” to the sound of Uprising by Muse.
Jasive, by Mexican businesswoman and designer Jasive Fernández presented a masterful collection full of romance. Models glided down the runway, enveloped in floor-length gowns/skirts, dense ruffles, dramatic trumpet sleeves, and tulle crafted into the most fabulous fascinators. The colour palette stayed pretty consistent with black, white, and reds.
Shivaji presented a gender-neutral collection, full of tailoring fused with the Canadian designer’s Sri Lankan heritage. Models came down the runway with skull caps. The clothes were mostly grey, black and white; the utility of techwear combined with military elements and fine tailoring created a striking show of fashion.
Artemesia Hwang broke through with a lively presentation of feminine energy. Billowing silk flared sundresses with high-low hems, as well as deconstructed slip dresses, practical trousers come together to create the perfect closet for a springtime picnic in the park. Shoulder bags were styled with the straps through the belt loops of trousers for an amusing display of aesthetic.
Maison de Couture Signé Véronique continues with the feminine romance, as models come out in simple modern ruffles and what seem to be references to rococo and cottage core. Sleek straight lines combine with colourful flouncy silks, pearls, and sunglasses to create a romantic early 2000s fantasy. The presentation closes out with a male model in a complete look with top hat, and a crimson overcoat with an enormous train trailing behind. Run & Follow rounds out day 2 with a well-constructed deconstructed collection entitled Intertwined. Billowing ruched dresses and silk gathered garments that effortlessly follow dramatically plush woven tops paired with workwear-inspired canvas pieces. The number of details and non-conventional finishing methods speak to the designer’s dedication and level of workmanship.
